App Permissions are getting a massive overhaul in Android M

The next version of Android has been officially unveiled, and one of the most impressive features added into the M experience is App Permissions. Gone are the days where you agree to allow apps unlimited access to a ton of different permissions when you got to install something. Instead, users will be asked for permission to access core parts of their device when the app needs it.

Google's new App Permissions system narrows the list of permissions an app can request down to Location, Camera, Microphone, Contacts, Phone, SMS, Calendar, and Sensor. Apps will have to ask before having access to these functions, and users will be able to grant or reject access. This access point is a one-time exchange, meaning if you say yes the app will have access every time you go to use it. Should users decide to revoke access or take a look at the total number of apps that have access, Google's applications section has been changed to make these things quick and easy to look at and adjust.

These permission policies will only apply to apps being made against the most recent version of the Android API versions, which means your current apps or apps that haven't updated in a while follow these same guidelines. There's been no mention yet of whether Google will be strongly encouraging developers to update their apps, but you can expect apps that frequently update to support these features well before Android M has been released to the masses.